Belinda Falcon Munoz, the new chair for the Staff Assembly Executive Committee, believes that God and family are first and everything else will follow.

"I was once given the advice that we, as parents, are our children’s first role models," she said. "As parents you always want your kids to do well and aspire to always follow their dreams and meet their goals. With that, I put God first, listen often, and push to overcome all fears."

Belinda originates from Madera, California, as the youngest of six children.

"Growing up, we did not have much money, but my dad instilled a priceless love of music and keeping a close family bond," she said.

Today, she and her husband, Tony Munoz, will be celebrating their 27th wedding anniversary in just a few short months.

They have three spirited daughters: Audrey, Krisann, and ToniMarie.

Now a grandmother of two, Belinda says she has much to be grateful for. She credits former boss, friend and mentor, Ms. Monica Waters, for inspiring her to keep going.

"She always believed in my ability to be my better self," said Belinda. "Monica encouraged family, love, education, self-respect, and to always be true to myself. She always stayed positive even in the darkest times, reminding me to never give up."

Another role model in Belinda's life is her mother.

"She is the toughest, yet most kind-hearted person I know," Belinda said. "My mom was married and had her first child at the age of 16. She lost her mom at a young age and helped raise her 3 younger brothers. My mom has been through so much in life, yet she is always the first one there to lend a helping hand. I would love to walk in the shoes of someone with the capacity of her strength and learn a thing or two to pass on to my girls."

Belinda says she has truly enjoyed being part of the Staff Assembly Executive Committee, connecting with new colleagues and friends across campus, and learning more about different departments and colleges on campus.

Mostly, she enjoys coming to work to have fun.

"Planning gatherings and functions is one of the biggest joys of working with my team," she said. "The best part is taking that step back and watching everyone in the room enjoying themselves. That is always worth the hard work of putting it all together."

Belinda likes traveling with her husband and friends. Lately, she has been traveling and running in half marathons in places such as Nashville and San Diego and Las Vegas – in addition to numerous local runs.

"Running serves a larger purpose for me, as I ran last year in honor of my sister and this year I am running for #58for58lasvegasstrong, which is a running group who is running for the lost victims of the Las Vegas shooting, which holds a special place in my heart," she said.

Prior to joining the Bulldog family at Fresno State, Belinda worked in banking for over 20 years in various leadership positions. She joined Fresno State as a fiscal assistant in the College of Health and Human Services, and now serves the Learning Center as the administrative support coordinator, housed in Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. She is also the president of her family owned company, AKT Trucking, LLC, which was named after her daughters.